ASX-listed Haranga Resources has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with California-based property developer Land Club Sutter Creek to acquire the surface rights and all mineral rights over two contiguous properties totalling 60 acres, or 24.3 ha, adjacent to the Lincoln project.

Haranga's wholly-owned Lincoln gold project, and the newly acquired surface and mineral rights, are all located in the Mother Lode region of California.

The $1.55-million purchase marks the first expansion of the Lincoln gold project footprint in about two decades.

The adjacent surface and mineral rights acquisition extends and consolidates Haranga's footprint on the Mother Lode, which is underpinned by a high-grade gold resource, multimillion-ounce potential and extensive existing infrastructure.

"The purchase improves access and development efficiency, while providing greater optionality for future mine planning," says chairperson Michael Davy.

He adds that Lincoln is already a compelling gold opportunity hosting a mineral resource of 400 000 oz and an exploration target within a region that has produced more than three-million ounces historically.

"Haranga is in a commanding position within the Mother Lode gold belt, supported by underground decline, key permits including a conditional use permit to mine, and extensive existing infrastructure. We continue to assess other consolidation opportunities across this highly prospective, high-grade gold district that could allow us to further leverage these advantages."

The purchase of the properties will ultimately offer improved access for further drilling, development and mining in the immediate vicinity of Lincoln-Comet, together with greater flexibility to extend the existing decline access towards the Medean, South Spring Hill and Keystone deposits.

These prospects have a combined production history of about one-million ounces and comprise part of Haranga's resource inventory and current exploration target focus.